Junee's preparations for the season started with a scoreless trial performance but captain-coach Trent Schubach believes there are plenty of positives signs.
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The Diesels fell 22-0 to Group Seven outfit Albion Park on the South Coast, but the returning mentor was pleased to see a number of the new Fijian recruits in action.
With their relationship with the abattoirs adding a new flavour this season, Schubach wanted to use the trial to see how the team could best line up.
He was pretty pleased with response.
"It wasn't too bad for a first hit out," Schubach said.
"We dropped a lot of footy but there are some promising signs.
"A couple of the Fijian boys went pretty well, which was good to see, and it is something to build on."
Front rower Villiame Rakul was one of the new faces who impressed as did Kitione Rasotale in the centres before he sustained a knee injury.
Simon Wilson also put in a strong showing.
After making the finals in 2018, Junee finished ninth last season and as they look to rebuild the whole club Schubach is upbeat about their chances.
"We went better than I thought and with the fitness side of things as well," he said. "It wasn't too bad."
The Diesels have another trial against Group 20 club Yenda at Laurie Daley Oval on Saturday.
While there are a couple of injury concerns, Schubach expects to have a side that is closer to full strength for the occasion.
"We were probably missing six first graders as it was a bit of a trial to see how the Fijian boys went and to get a bit of match fitness," Schubach said.
"We've got another trial on Saturday against Yenda.
"We pulled up with a couple niggling injuries, so a couple of the boys won't play, but it will have a bit stronger side."
Wilson isn't expected to play due to an ankle complaint while Rasotale looks set to be sidelined until round one on April 19.
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